Apparatus for detecting and treating ventricular arrhythmia

摘要

A system and method for long-term monitoring of cardiac conditions such as arrhythmias is disclosed. The invention includes a pulse generator including means for sensing an arrhythmia. The pulse generator is coupled to at least one subcutaneous electrode or electrode array for providing electrical stimulation such as cardioversion/defibrillation shocks and/or pacing pulses. The electrical stimulation may be provided between multiple subcutaneous electrodes, or between one or more such electrodes and the housing of the pulse generator. In one embodiment, the pulse generator includes one or more electrodes that are isolated from the can. These electrodes may be used to sense cardiac signals.

主权项

1. A system for providing arrhythmia therapy to a patient comprising:
an implantable pulse generator having a device housing, wherein a portion of the device housing is configured to function as an electrode; a sensing circuit positioned within the device housing and coupled to the implantable pulse generator; a subcutaneous electrode array comprising at least three discrete electrode supporting fingers, wherein the fingers support a plurality of subcutaneous electrodes coupled to the implantable pulse generator to deliver electrical stimulation to the patient between one or more of the plurality of electrodes of the subcutaneous electrode array and the portion of the device housing, upon detection by the sensing circuit of an arrhythmia, a single lead, wherein the at least three discrete electrode supporting fingers are coupled to the implantable pulse generator by the single lead, and each of the plurality of electrodes of the subcutaneous electrode array is separately activatable to deliver the electrical stimulation; and a switch provided by the lead, the switch being configured to select which one or more of the plurality of electrodes of the subcutaneous electrode array are activated to deliver the electrical stimulation.